Southampton are in a strong position to re-sign James Ward-Prowse from West Ham after Premier League clubs pulled out of the running.
Everton had been linked with a move for Ward-Prowse, but are not believed to be pursuing a deal this month, opening the door for the Saints to swoop.
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there is a lack of interest in the 31-year-old given his style of play and recent spell on the sidelines.
Ward-Prowse has not been involved in a matchday squad since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge in September, raising questions about his fitness levels.
Meanwhile, his struggles since moving to the London Stadium have raised questions about his top-level ability, with a return to Southampton potentially his only option.
Southampton backed to agree James Ward-Prowse deal
Ward-Prowse has been tipped to return to Southampton since dropping out at West Ham, and the Saints could now make a move to bring him home.
The midfielder could return to the club he spent 20 years at before his move to the London Stadium, in what would be a tempting possibility for all parties.
“He’s in a difficult situation at West Ham,” Brown told Football Insider.
“When he was at Southampton, he was a standout player. A top passer of the ball, a free-kick expert, able to stand in midfield and distribute passes.
“But there aren’t many teams in the Premier League now who carry that type of player.
“For better or for worse, whatever you may think, they prefer more athletic players who are able to get about the pitch, box-to-box, and Ward-Prowse isn’t that sort.
“There are teams who could look at him, but it would be a risk. Plus, he hasn’t played since September, so there are question marks about his fitness as well.
“I don’t think any Premier League teams are going to be prepared to make that move.
“Somewhere like Southampton, if he was to go back there, would make a lot more sense both for him and for them, he would fit in much better.
“I think that’s the most likely move for him at this point, and it feels like the path has cleared for him to go back because of the lack of interest.”
West Ham could be forced to sell El Hadji Malick Diouf
Ward-Prowse is not the only West Ham player who could be on his way out in the near future, as interest is growing in the availability of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Brown warned Football Insider on 20 January that West Ham could be forced to sell Diouf if they suffer relegation from the Premier League this season.
A number of Premier League clubs are believed to have had scouts at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Diouf shone as part of Senegal’s successful campaign.
Nuno’s side currently sit in 18th place, five points adrift of safety, although their 2-1 win against Tottenham has helped their cause.
Clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on West Ham as possible relegation contenders and will swoop to poach their best players if they go down.
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